Food To Improve Your Sex Drive
Medical Author: Betty Kovacs, MS, RDMedical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Viewer Question: Is there anything I can eat to improve my sex drive?
Doctor’s Response: If the recipe for a better sex drive was found in food, grocery shopping would take on a whole new meaning! This is a great question that has some compelling and some controversial answers.
Before deciding which to foods to try, you will need to figure out if there is an underlying cause for lack of sex drive. And the best person to help you with this would be your doctor. The compelling answers are based on research and often revolve around uncontrolled medical conditions. Fortunately, your diet is a key factor in controlling many of these conditions. Here are some examples:
Diabetes
- Men who have diabetes are three times more likely to have erectile dysfunction as men who do not have diabetes.
- As many as 35% of women with diabetes may experience decreased or absent sexual response.
- Keeping your blood sugar under control is the key. A diet rich in vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and fresh fruit and with limited quantities of sugar, refined grains, and processed foods is one of the keys to this.
What Does Diabetes Doto Your Bladder
- Urinary Retention
The diabetic bladder can lead to urinary retention, which means the bladder cannot void completely. Diabetes has damaged the bladder nerves ability to signal when the bladder is full. Once the diabetic bladder develops to an advanced stage, bladder fullness is not sensed until the bladder if overfilled to two or three times its normal size.
Paradoxically, excess glucose in the blood leads to excessive thirst and urination, which make people urinate more frequently because they drink more fluid. Once nerve damage sets in, the sensation to void is diminished, causing the bladder to overfill with urine. The overfilling stretches the muscle in the bladder, which can weaken it leading to decreased contractility. Because the bladder doesnt have enough strength to expel all the urine out, some urine is retained in the bladder. Retained urine increases the risk of infections, which are more common in people with diabetes in the first place.
- Involuntary Leakage of Urine
The bladder can also become overactive: the damaged nerves can send wrong signals to the bladder, making it squeeze and expel fluids without warning.
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How Does Diabetes Affect The Urinary Tract And Genitals
Diabetics have more frequent urinary tract infections because of factors including improper functioning of the infection-fighting white blood cells, glucose in the urine, and compromised blood flow. Diabetics have a greater risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyuria , cystitis , and pyelonephritis .
Impaired bladder emptying further complicates the potential for infections. Diabetics have more serious complications of pyelonephritis, including kidney abscess, emphysematous pyelonephritis , and urosepsis .
Fourniers gangrene is a soft tissue infection of the male genitals that often requires emergency surgery, can be disfiguring and has a very high mortality rate. More than 90% of patients with Fourniers gangrene are diabetic. Diabetic patients also have an increased risk of infection with surgical procedures, particularly those involving prosthetic implants, including penile implants, artificial urinary sphincters, and mesh implants for pelvic organ prolapse.
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Modify Your Diet Before Calling Your Doctor
Bergamo says if youre having some of these subtle symptoms try a low-carb diet of protein and green leafy vegetables. Avoid sugary drinks and drink at least 2 liters of water for a few days to see if these symptoms get better.
Subtle symptoms could be just that youre eating too many carbs and your body cant handle it, Bergamo says. It doesnt necessarily mean you have diabetes, but its a wake-up call that maybe youre headed that way.
If you have any symptoms that are frightening such as sudden numbness, weakness or chest pains, call your doctor immediately.
Are you concerned about diabetes? Talk to your doctor about having your blood glucose levels tested. Need a doctor? Find one near you.
High Blood Sugar Levels
Another prominent factor that increases the prevalence of incontinence and Diabetes is the risk of having high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels affect people with both type 1 and type 2 Diabetes. In individuals with Diabetes, cells struggle to get enough energy to function properly, causing blood sugar to rise. Having high blood sugar levels can cause an increase in the amount of urine produced, often resulting in lack of bladder control. High blood sugar levels can also often cause nerve damage. The Simon Foundation for Continence explains that your body has a network of autonomic nerves that go from the spinal cord to your lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, bladder and sex organs. When nerves in the bladder and the bowel are damaged, this can lead to incontinence. A common reason for becoming incontinent is due to decreased bladder sensation, resulting in having no warning before feeling the urge to urinate. In many people with severe or longstanding Diabetes, the bladder muscle becomes so weak that you cannot empty the bladder fully each time you urinate.
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Frequent And Urgent Urination
Some people with diabetes who regularly have high blood glucose levels may have to urinate too often, also called urinary frequency. Even men and women with diabetes who manage their blood glucose levels within their target range sometimes feel the sudden urge to urinate, called urgency incontinence. This can happen at night, also. Medicines may help reduce the symptoms of bladder control problems.
What Is A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection anywhere in your bladder, kidneys or in the urinary system.
An infection of the upper urinary tract or the bladder is called a bladder infection or cystitis. An infection in the urethra is called urethritis. Women tend to be more at risk of these types of infections due to their anatomy they have a much shorter area between the urethra and the opening to the urethra to the bladder. Urinary tract infections are rare in men under 50 due to their anatomy.
A more serious infection of the lower urinary tract is an infection of the kidney and the ureters and is called pyelonephritis. This is a complication and occurs when the bladder infection progresses to the kidneys.
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According to the Stanford Medicines Michael Hsieh Lab, half of women and men will have experienced a urinary tract infection during our lifetime at least once. They are the most common infection, and can lead to death in patients who are experiencing it severely. Antibiotics are the most effective therapy.The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases account 8.1 million visits to the clinic, hospitals for UTI purposes. For women, the risk of getting a UTI is 50 percent greater than a man.
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What Bladder Problems Can Men And Women With Diabetes Have
Diabetes can cause nerve damage to your urinary tract, causing bladder problems. Overweight and obesity also can increase bladder problems, such as urinary incontinence . Managing diabetes is an important part of preventing problems that can lead to excess urination.
Your health care team may be able to help you manage your blood glucose levels and help you lose weight, if needed. Doctors use blood and urine tests to diagnose bladder problems or conditions with similar symptoms. Doctors also may use urodynamic testing to see what kind of bladder problem you have.
Symptoms Of Burning Or Painful Urination
The various signs and symptoms of painful urination might include any one of the following:
- You do not have a control on the urinary bladder
- Pain in the abdominal area when you urinate
- Pain in the urinary tract and the glands associated with the same when you urinate
- You sometimes even get blood in the urine
- Regular ejections
- fever
Different Conditions that can Cause a Burning Sensation when you Urinate
There are various conditions that can lead to a burning sensation at the time when you urinate. These conditions may or may not be caused due to diabetes. Before reaching a conclusion as to whether or not diabetes causes burning urination, we should be aware of the complete picture. Following are the some of the various causes of burning urination:
- The common cause include the inflammatory diseases known as prostatitis and the Urethritis which affect men
- Another possible reason could be a yeastinfection or any other type of infection caused in the vagina of the women
- Sexually transmitted diseases could also be one of the reasons why a person might suffer from painful urination or burning urination
- A tumor that is detected in the urinary tract can also lead to burning urination in patients
- Menopause or other issues in women due to which there are changes in the respiratory organ of the women
Apart from the above, diabetes can also cause issues in the urinary tract of the patient. Some of the more common problems caused by diabetes include the following:
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Can Diabetes Cause Urinary Incontinence
Diabetes is associated with a risk of incontinence. In fact, according to recent research, women living with diabetes may have up to a 70% higher risk of urinary incontinence.
This risk may due in part because diabetes is capable of damaging the bodys nerves. This is known as neuropathy.
Neuropathy around the bladder and urinary system can cause neurogenic bladder. Some refer to neurogenic bladder in people with diabetes as diabetic bladder. This refers to the partial or full loss of bladder control.
Symptoms of a neurogenic or diabetic bladder may include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying
- Overactive bladder
- Underactive bladder
- Inability to tell when you need to go to the bathroom
When left untreated, diabetes can cause mild to severe complications. Plus, it may increase the risk of other related diseases or medical conditions.
How To Know If Its Diabetes
Peeing a lot is a hallmark sign of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as the elimination of bodily fluids is sometimes your bodys only way of flushing excess blood sugar.
But urinating more than usual is just one of many signs and can be caused by any number of health conditions. If youre worried about diabetes, its important to look out for some of these other common diabetes symptoms:
- Fatigue. The cells inability to draw on glucose for energy can leave people with diabetes feeling depleted and exhausted much of the time. Dehydration only makes the fatigue worse.
- Weight loss. A combination of low insulin levels and an inability to absorb sugar from the blood can lead to rapid weight loss in people with diabetes.
- Blurred vision. A side effect of the dehydration caused by diabetes can be a severe drying of the eyes, which may affect vision.
- Swollen gums. Those with diabetes are at higher risk for infections, swelling, or buildup of pus in the gums.
- Tingling. A loss in sensation in the limbs, fingers, or toes is a common side effect of excess blood sugar.
If youre frequently urinating and worry it might be diabetes, keep an eye out for some of these other classic symptoms. If you notice several of them, or just want to be sure, consult a doctor.
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Is It Ok To Urinate Every 30 Minutes
However, frequent urination may be associated with other health problems that are not part of everyday living and do not resolve on their own. It may be a sign of more severe illnesses such as diabetes, overactive bladder syndrome, urinary tract infections, or prostate issues. Urinating often might potentially cause sleep disturbances.
Incontinence Products Through Insurance
Urinary incontinence can steal sleep, cause stress, and keep you from living your fullest life. It may be common, but it does not have to be your normal. It may be embarrassing, at first, to discuss your incontinence issues with your doctor, but the reward of a diagnosis and treatment plan will be worth the few moments of embarrassment. We promise! The list of treatment options extends past the above list, and finding the right treatment option for you can significantly improve your quality of life. If you have diabetes and are dealing with incontinence, a simple trip to the urologist could give you your confidence back.
We also recognize that managing incontinence can be expensive, but with our help, you may be able to receive continence care products through insurance. Check your eligibility through our qualify form to get started, and we will take care of the rest. Its that easy!
*Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute to medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.
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How Can A Uti Be Prevented
Amanda recently contacted TheDiabetesCouncil asking how to prevent utis. There are quite a few simple things you can start doing today, that will ensure you dont end up with another dreaded infection tomorrow!
The very best prevention is to practice good hygiene techniques. Now remember, I am a Registered Nurse, so I am going to get technical here ladies:
- Wiping front to back is essential! Transfer of bacteria is definitely going to happen otherwise and will cause a urinary tract infection for sure!
- Go to the bathroom and empty your bladder immediately after sexual intercourse ladies.
- Every time you empty your bladder, try to make sure it is fully empty.
- Drink lots of water to keep your bladder flushed out current recommendation is 8 eight ounce glasses per day .
- Keep your diabetes under the best possible control!
I know these techniques seem simple at first glance, but if you are vigilant, they really will work. Practicing these preventive techniques will go a long way in helping you stay healthy and hopefully avoid a potentially life threatening urinary tract infection.
Why does diabetes increase the risk for getting a UTI?
Weaker immune system, poor blood circulation, high blood glucose levels, and diabetic neuropathy are some of the reasons why people with diabetes are at a higher risk
I am a woman, am I at a high risk of getting a UTI?
What are the signs and symptoms that I should watch for?
The most common signs and symptoms to look out for are:
How Can I Prevent And Treat My Sexual Or Bladder Problems
Managing your diabetes can help prevent nerve damage and other diabetes problems that can lead to sexual and bladder problems. With your health care team, you can help prevent and treat your sexual or bladder control problems by
- keeping your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels close to your target numbers
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How To Treat Frequent Urination Caused By Diabetes
Treating bladder problems stemming from diabetes is best approached by treating the disease as a whole.
Simply monitoring fluid intake or scheduling bathroom trips likely wont help much, as the major problem is excess blood sugar, not excess fluid.
If you do have diabetes, your doctor will come up with a treatment plan specifically for you. In general, common treatments for diabetes include:
Managing Diabetes And Incontinence
As you work with your doctor to control blood sugar levels and lose weight, youll need supportive products that protect you from those occasional or expected leaks. TYE Medicals bladder control products are available in an array of sizes and absorbency levels.
Our premium products provide rapid absorption with the following features:
- Super-absorbent gel core
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Why Does Diabetes Cause Frequent Urination
Diabetes is a condition that, among other symptoms, causes your body to have trouble creating or using insulin.
Insulin is a hormone that draws glucose or sugar into the cells to use as energy. This can result in highly elevated blood sugar levels.
Too much sugar in your blood is extremely taxing on the kidneys, which work to process that sugar. When the kidneys arent up to the job, much of that glucose is eliminated from the body through your urine.
This process also flushes out valuable hydrating fluids from your body, often leaving people with diabetes peeing frequently as well as dehydrated.
Early on, you may not even notice that youre urinating more often than normal. One of the key warning signs, however, should be if frequent urination starts to wake you up from sleep and deplete your energy levels.
A Weaker Immune System
A less well-known fact about Diabetes is that the condition ultimately interferes with the immune system, putting you at greater risk of infections. In Diabetes type 1, the bodys immune system reacts against its cells and begins to kill them. An infection often experienced by people with Diabetes is a urinary tract infection. Common symptoms of this condition are a pain in the lower abdomen and urine that is cloudy. A urinary tract infection can also cause a feeling that you need to pass urine more often and more urgently, causing embarrassing accidents.
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Pregnancy Concerns And Fertility Problems
If you have diabetes and plan to become pregnant, its important to get your blood glucose levels close to your target range before you get pregnant. High blood glucose can harm your baby during the first weeks of pregnancy, even before you know youre pregnant.
If you have diabetes and are already pregnant, see your doctor as soon as possible to make a plan to manage your diabetes. Working with your health care team and following your diabetes management plan can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Conditions such as obesity and polycystic ovarian syndrome that are linked to diabetes can make it harder to conceive a child. Talk with a health care professional, such as a gynecologist or a fertility specialist, if youre having problems conceiving a child.